The Webster Parish Police Jury approved its full agenda Tuesday during its regular meeting, where jurors advanced the 2026 budget, confirmed multiple board appointments and took action on parish road and administrative matters. Jurors Mike Griffith and Adam Lee were absent. All votes were unanimous.
The meeting opened with two public hearings regarding the proposed 2026 budget and the abandonment of 1,625 feet of Big Oak Road. No comments or objections were submitted for either item.
Jurors approved invoices pending review by Juror Jim Bonsall on December 9 and adopted minutes from the November 4 road committee, finance committee and regular meetings. The panel then approved the 2026 proposed budget with accompanying budget notes.
The jury also voted to abandon 1,625 feet of Big Oak Road and appointed Melinda Davidson as director of the Webster Parish Office of Community Services for 2026. A signature resolution authorizing Davidson to sign documents for the organization was approved.
Board appointments were confirmed for several parish entities. For the Pine Country Education District, jurors reappointed Brian Williams as chairman and appointed Ken Ward, both to terms running January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027. Dr. Grady Smith and Dr. Shannon Spigener were reappointed to the Webster Parish Communications District for four-year terms ending December 31, 2029. Gary Greene was reappointed to a two-year term with Webster Parish Fire District #7, and Laura Evans was reappointed to the Webster Parish Library Board of Control through December 31, 2030.
Jurors also approved compliance with the Assurance of the Flood Control Act of 1954 and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for 2026, as required by the State Treasurer’s Office. The jury then canvassed returns and declared the results of the November 15 special elections for Road Districts A and B, confirming the renewal of special taxes in both districts.
Committee reports highlighted ongoing projects and upcoming activities across parish departments. Savannah Jones of Webster Parish Libraries said construction of the new Doyline branch is nearing completion, with a ribbon cutting expected in January. “This is definitely something for Webster Parish to be proud of,” Jones said. She added that the library will soon launch its 12 Books of Christmas challenge.
Amie Poladian of Webster Parish Tourism reported that the city of Springhill recently received a $64,000 Roadmap grant and congratulated the city. She also outlined upcoming tourism events.
Dr. Shakera Williams of LSU Ag/4-H announced that the next cooking club meeting will be held December 8 and the 4-H Club will work with Ethan Jeffus on a canned food drive.
Jessica Gorman of the Dorcheat Museum reported that the museum was recently featured on Red River Radio and the next installment of Historically Speaking, her local history book series, will be available soon.
The Police Jury will next meet January 6, 2026, at the Webster Parish Courthouse Annex, located at 401 Main Street. The public is encouraged to attend.